The convergence and stability of a value-iteration-based adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) algorithm are con-sidered for discrete-time nonlinear systems accompanied by a discounted quadric performance index. More importantly than sufficing to achieve a good approximate structure, the iterative feedback control law must guarantee the closed-loop stability. Specifically, it is firstly proved that the iterative value function sequence will precisely converge to the optimum. Secondly, the necessary and sufficient condition of the optimal value function serving as a Lyapunov function is investi-gated. We prove that for the case of infinite horizon, there exists a finite horizon length of which the iterative feedback control law will provide stability, and this increases the practicability of the proposed value iteration algorithm. Neural networks (NNs) are employed to approximate the value functions and the optimal feedback control laws, and the approach allows the implementation of the algorithm without knowing the inteal dynamics of the system. Finally, a simulation example is employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed optimal control method.